# Upgraded Virtual Brands are launching aesthetic backgrounds for elevated video-conferencing. By [Grace Mahas](https://www.trendhunter.com/Grace.Mahas), VP of Content & Insights | Published May 19, 2020 | Category: [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/technology-trends-and-gadgets) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/upgraded-virtual ## Key Figures - Trend score: 4.8/10 - Evidence articles: 6 ## What is the Upgraded Virtual trend? **Upgraded Virtual:** Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, many professionals are working from home in an effort to prevent the spread of the virus, and have relied on video-chats to replace in-person meetings--where people have been using enhanced video backgrounds. Knowing this, brands are creating more of these functions for users to implement when video-conferencing. ## The consumer insight behind the Upgraded Virtual trend The unexpected work from home period has left many professionals with a lack of dedicated workspace, resulting in many working in the living room, kitchen, or bedroom. These consumers still want to maintain an air of professionalism, which may be hard to accomplish in personal spaces where personal belongings and family are present. This demographic is turning to brands to provide digital solutions to mask their personal spaces with a more polished background that shield colleagues from seeing private aspects of each other's lives. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 6 featured examples - Articles from: Mar 25 to May 14, 2020 - Published: May 19, 2020 - Patterns: [Convergence](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/convergence), [Acceleration](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/acceleration) - Megatrends: [Multisensation](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/multisensation), [Artificial Intelligence](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/artificial-intelligence) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Themes within the Upgraded Virtual trend ### Virtual Backgrounds Virtual backgrounds have become a popular trend for video-conferencing to help consumers maintain a professional image and privacy during remote work. ### Customizable Backgrounds Allowing users to customize their virtual backgrounds on video conferencing platforms presents an opportunity for innovative branding and creative expression. ### Virtual Experiences Offering virtual experiences, such as restaurant-inspired Zoom backgrounds, has become a trend for companies to engage with consumers during the pandemic. ## What the Upgraded Virtual trend means for industry ### For Technology Virtual backgrounds require technological tools and platforms, presenting opportunities for growth and advancement in the technology sector. ### For Marketing The use of customized virtual backgrounds has provided a new avenue for marketing and advertising for companies. ### For Hospitality The virtual dining experience program created by DoorDash showcases an opportunity for hospitality companies to innovate and engage with customers during the pandemic. ## Workshop question How can your brand reimagine its services to accommodate consumers' new shelter-in-place lifestyle? ## Trend signals for Upgraded Virtual Trend score 4.8 out of 10, from popularity 71%, activity 64%, freshness 9%. - Popularity: 71% - Activity: 64% - Freshness: 9% ## Examples of the Upgraded Virtual trend 6 featured examples from Mar 25 to May 14, 2020. - [Restaurant-Inspired Virtual Backgrounds](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/virtual-dinner-parties): DoorDash's Zoom Backgrounds are for Virtual Dinner Parties (Category: Tech) Implication: Food delivery companies can capitalize on the demand for home dining experiences by partnering with restaurants to offer virtual dining packages and experiences. - [Video Game Virtual Backgrounds](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/animal-crossing-wallpaper): Nintendo Released Downloadable Animal Crossing Wallpapers (Category: Tech) Implication: The gaming industry can capitalize on the popularity of virtual backgrounds by incorporating customizable features into their games, providing players with a more immersive experi… - [Virtual Background Galleries](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/zoom-backgrounds): 'Virtual Backgrounds' Offers Zoom Backgrounds for Video Chats (Category: Art & Design) Implication: Video conferencing companies have the opportunity to provide new and innovative features to help their users customize and personalize their video calls. - [Enhanced Video Backgrounds](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/behr-paint): Behr Paint Made a Library of Virtual Backgrounds for the Zoom Platform (Category: Tech) Implication: The creation of virtual background libraries by companies in the paint and home improvement industry allows them to showcase their products and adapt to new consumer needs. - [Comedic Video Conference Backgrounds](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mens-health): Men's Health Creates a Series of Zoom Backgrounds for Users (Category: Tech) Implication: The media and publishing industries can develop their brands further and generate revenue by offering virtual branding services to companies for video conferencing tools. - [Expanded Video Call Backgrounds](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/custom-background): Skype Has Updated Its Application to Offer Custom Backgrounds (Category: Tech) Implication: Disruptive innovation opportunity: Build software applications or plugins that enable users to easily customize their video call backgrounds and add interactive elements. ## Recent trend clusters - [Delegated Interfaces](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/delegated-interfaces) (Tech) - [Adaptive Controls](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/adaptive-controls) (Tech) - [Desk Systems](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/desk-systems) (Tech) - [Spatial Refinement](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/spatial-refinement) (Tech) ## Trending in Tech - [Decor-Led Home Projectors](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/decor-led-home-projectors) - [Accessible Fintech Pop-Ups](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/chequing-account) - [Dual-Wavelength Recovery Wearables](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/joint-therapy) - [Pop-Culture WiFi Routers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pop-culture-wifi-routers) All articles: [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech)